Johnny Mundt Starts at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars finalize their 2025 offensive depth chart ahead of Week 1, a key positional decision has solidified: veteran tight end Johnny Mundt has been named the team’s starting tight end, beating out incumbent backup Ben Sinnott and free-agent signee Hunter Long for the role. Johnny Mundt Starts at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a roster move—it’s a recognition of Mundt’s unique blend of blocking prowess, reliable pass-catching, and locker room leadership, traits that align perfectly with Doug Pederson’s offensive scheme. For a Jaguars team that values tight ends as both blockers (to support Travis Etienne’s running game) and safety valves (for Trevor Lawrence), Mundt’s promotion fills a critical need while adding a steady, experienced presence to an offense with championship aspirations. As the Jaguars prepare to face the Houston Texans in Week 1, Mundt’s role as a starter will be instrumental in setting the tone for the offense.

Johnny Mundt Starts at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars comes after Mundt spent seven seasons as a valuable role player for the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints, where he established himself as one of the NFL’s most underrated blocking tight ends. Over his career, Mundt has played in 98 games (with 23 starts), recording 62 receptions for 684 yards and 4 touchdowns—but his true value lies in his ability to open running lanes and protect quarterbacks. In 2024, with the Saints, Mundt graded at 78.2 in run blocking (per Pro Football Focus), the fifth-highest mark among tight ends with at least 500 snaps. What sets Mundt apart is his versatility: he can line up in-line as a traditional tight end, attach to the offensive line as an extra blocker, or split out wide to create mismatches against linebackers. His experience in Pederson’s offense—he spent time with the Eagles as a practice squad player in 2017—also gave him a leg up in training camp, as he quickly adapted to the playbook and terminology. “Johnny’s been around the league long enough to know what it takes to win,” Pederson said. “He’s not flashy, but he’s consistent. He blocks well, he catches the ball when it’s thrown to him, and he makes everyone around him better. That’s why he’s our starter.”

A defining factor in Johnny Mundt Starts at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars is his standout preseason performance, which showcased his ability to contribute in both run and pass game scenarios. In three preseason games, Mundt didn’t record a single drop in 12 targets, hauling in 9 receptions for 87 yards—including a critical 14-yard catch on third-and-10 against the Atlanta Falcons that extended a scoring drive. But it was his blocking that truly impressed the Jaguars’ coaching staff: Mundt paved the way for Etienne to rush for 112 yards against the Falcons, including a 22-yard touchdown run where Mundt took out two defenders with a single block. He also held his own in pass protection, allowing zero pressures on 28 snaps against edge rushers. “Johnny’s blocking in preseason was elite,” Jaguars offensive line coach Phil Rauscher said. “He’s not the biggest tight end (6’4”, 245 lbs), but he’s strong, he’s technical, and he knows how to leverage his body. When he’s on the field, our running game is better, and Trevor has more time to throw. That’s the kind of impact you want from a starting tight end.”

Johnny Mundt Starts at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars also aligns with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive strategy, which relies on tight ends to create balance between the run and pass game. Pederson’s scheme often uses two-tight end sets to overwhelm defenses—one tight end (like Mundt) to block, and another (like Long or Sinnott) to focus on receiving. This setup allows the Jaguars to keep defenses guessing: they can run the ball behind Mundt’s blocking, or they can play-action pass to a receiving tight end once defenses commit to stopping the run. The Jacksonville Jaguars have already begun integrating this strategy into their game plan, with Mundt lining up in-line on 70% of his snaps in preseason, while Long or Sinnott split out wide. “Having Johnny as our starting tight end gives us so much flexibility,” Lawrence said. “When he’s blocking, I know Travis is going to have a hole. When he’s in the pass game, he’s a reliable target who always seems to be open. He makes my job easier, and that’s huge for our offense.” This balance will be critical against tough divisional defenses like the Tennessee Titans, who ranked 8th in run defense in 2024.

Another layer of Johnny Mundt Starts at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars is the leadership Mundt brings to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ tight end room, which includes young players like Sinnott (a second-year player) and undrafted rookie Jake Bobo. Mundt has taken it upon himself to mentor these younger tight ends, sharing tips on blocking technique, route running, and how to prepare for NFL games. He holds extra film sessions with Sinnott, breaking down opposing defenses and explaining how to adjust routes based on coverage. He also works with Bobo on his hands, using a jugs machine to help the rookie improve his catch consistency. “Johnny’s been a great mentor,” Sinnott said. “He doesn’t act like he’s better than anyone—he just wants to help us get better. He’s shown me things about blocking that I never would have thought of, and he’s helped me understand the playbook better. Having him as a starter and a mentor is a win-win for me.” For the Jaguars, this leadership is invaluable: it not only makes the tight end room stronger in 2025 but also prepares young players to take on bigger roles in the future.

Looking ahead, Johnny Mundt Starts at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars is a move that will have a lasting impact on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 season. While Mundt may not put up the flashy receiving numbers of some other tight ends, his contributions in blocking and leadership will be just as critical to the offense’s success. His ability to keep the run game on track will take pressure off Lawrence, allowing the quarterback to focus on exploiting mismatches in the passing game. And his mentorship of young tight ends will ensure the position remains a strength for the Jaguars beyond 2025. For Mundt, being named a starter is the culmination of years of hard work as a role player. “I’ve never been the guy who gets all the headlines,” Mundt said. “But I’ve always tried to do my job to the best of my ability. Being a starter for the Jaguars is a dream come true, and I’m going to do everything I can to help this team win.” As the 2025 season kicks off, all eyes will be on Mundt—whether he’s paving the way for Etienne, catching a critical third-down pass, or mentoring a young teammate. Johnny Mundt Starts at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just about one player’s success; it’s about the Jaguars’ offense reaching its full potential—and taking the team one step closer to an AFC South title.